Defines 'transitions' as moving a toddler from an activity such as play to another, presumably less desirable, activity. Offers suggestions for managing this challenging task.
Many parents find that they have a hard time getting their child to stop playing and do
what the parent wants. Some examples of this are getting your child to go from playing to sitting
down for a meal or starting a bath. Some of the hardest transitions include:
Getting your child started for the day after he wakes up
Getting your child dressed
Sitting down for meals
Getting your child into the car
Starting bath time
Getting your child into bed at nap or night
You can help your child to get through these transitions more smoothly. The following methods
may decrease or end your struggles during these times:
Children want to be in control. Give your child a chance to do it herself, if possible.
Next time, she may get into her booster seat herself because she feels as if she has control.
Prepare your child ahead of time so that she he will know what to expect. Let him know that
you will be starting the bath next after he finishes his puzzle. Giving a 5 minute warning before a
transition is a good habit to get into.
Give your child extra time and slow down. When your child senses that she is being rushed,
she may resist the change. It can then take you even more time to get her to the car.
Give your child choices so that he feels as if he has more control of the situation. You
can ask him if he wants to have one toy or another in the bath with him.
Make the activity a game in order to get your child's interest. This can be both entertaining
and a way to make your child look forward to the next event. For example, you can sing the clean up
song before moving on to lunch.
Daily routines make it easier for your child to anticipate what comes next. Stick to the same
routines as much as possible. Your child will be happier and resist less when he knows what to expect.
You can give rewards for a smooth transition. You can make a simple promise to read an extra
story at bedtime because she got dressed quickly for bed.
Avoid threats to your child including one such as, "Mommy will leave if you do not hurry up."
You should also avoid punishments such as spanking. These will only make the transition more difficult
the next time; your child might feel afraid, angry or test you because you really didn't carry out the threat.
Even if you feel hurried, remind yourself to slow down and have fun with transitions. This will make them
go more smoothly. A few extra planned minutes during the transition will really make it go faster.
